Japan Market Daily | Kabutaro & Friends

On May 12, 2026, the Nikkei 225 continued its decline, closing at 61,967 yen, down 450 yen. High crude oil prices driven by Middle East tensions fueled concerns over rising costs, leading to selling pressure on export-oriented stocks. In the FX market, the yen weakened to the 158 range against the dollar, heightening speculation of government intervention. China's April economic data revealed persistent sluggishness in real estate investment, though high-tech manufacturing remained resilient. In the U.S., the 10-year Treasury yield rose near 4.5 percent as expectations for prolonged Fed tightening to curb inflation weighed on market sentiment.